Best 5 Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls Molasses Recipes

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Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls, a delightful treat that evokes memories of simpler times. These bite-sized morsels, also known as molasses popcorn balls, are a delightful combination of crunchy popcorn, sweet molasses, and a hint of salt. With just a few pantry staples, you can create these classic treats that are perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy evening snack. This recipe collection offers two variations: the traditional molasses popcorn balls and a funfetti version that adds a pop of color and sprinkles. Both recipes are easy to follow and result in irresistible popcorn balls that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

## Additional Information:

* Preparation Time: 15 minutes
* Cooking Time: 15 minutes
* Total Time: 30 minutes
* Difficulty Level: Easy
* Serving Size: 12 popcorn balls
* Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories

## Key Ingredients:

* Popcorn kernels
* Molasses
* Sugar
* Butter
* Salt
* Vanilla extract
* Baking soda
* Sprinkles (for Funfetti Popcorn Balls)

## Health Benefits:

* Popcorn is a whole grain snack that provides fiber and antioxidants.
* Molasses is a good source of iron and calcium.

## Special Equipment:

* Large saucepan
* Candy thermometer
* Parchment paper

## Tips:

* Use fresh popcorn for the best flavor and texture.
* Cook the sugar mixture to the correct temperature to prevent crystallization.
* Work quickly when shaping the popcorn balls to prevent the mixture from becoming too hard.
* Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Let's cook with our recipes!

POP'S MOLASSES POPCORN BALLS AND TAFFY



Pop's Molasses Popcorn Balls and Taffy image

This recipe has been in our family for more than 100 years. My dad's mother would make and pull it on the taffy hook on her kitchen door jam. She would then sell it at the local mercantile in Alberta, Canada. As soon as fall came, my siblings and I would beg Pop to make them. We loved every minute of it, except the burnt hands from the hot syrup, that is. We knew company was coming when they heard Pop was making them. He always let me help when I got old enough. I still make these with my family. The flavor is somewhat like caramel candies. We always double this recipe so we have enough to make taffy and popcorn balls. My pop always made 2 double batches. Posting this recipe has brought back many wonderful and happy memories from my childhood. I do so in honor of my Pop (RIP 1917-1997).

Provided by Dee Stillwell

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 1h2m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups popped popcorn, or as needed
ice water
2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup (such as Karo®)
½ cup dark molasses
½ cup water
¼ cup butter
½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl, with room for mixing. Fill another bowl with ice water. Butter several plates, one per each person who will be pulling taffy.
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, molasses, water, butter, and salt in a large 6-quart saucepan over medium heat; attach a candy thermometer. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Tip the pan slightly to melt the sugar crystals on the sides, scraping down with a wooden spoon. Heat until the mixture registers 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 155 degrees C) on the thermometer or until a small amount of syrup drizzled into cold water turns hard, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Pour about 1 cup syrup onto each buttered plate. Let cool until safe to handle like a hot potato, 3 to 5 minutes. Pull syrup between your hands until a light golden brown color is achieved; the longer you pull it, the lighter it becomes. Twist into a long rope about 3/4-inch thick and place on back on a buttered plate to let taffy harden and cool. Break the hardened taffy apart.
  • Pour the remaining hot syrup carefully over popcorn, while someone else quickly stirs the batch. Butter your hands and dip them in the ice water; working quickly to avoid burns and before taffy hardens, grab some of the popcorn mixture and form into a 3-inch ball. Repeat with the remaining popcorn.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 calories, Carbohydrate 67 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 207 mg, Sugar 48.2 g

OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS



Old-Time Popcorn Balls image

Our whole family loves popcorn. These old-time popcorn balls are great anytime, but they're especially fun to pass out to trick-or-treaters or to use at Christmastime as stocking stuffers! They always look appealing when covered in clear wrap and tied with a festive ribbon. -LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Add baking soda and stir well. , Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 159mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

MOLASSES POPCORN BALLS



Molasses Popcorn Balls image

What a delicious treat for Halloween, or for just about anytime - even that Saturday night of movie watching - the kids can have fun making the popcorn balls!!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     Candy

Time 25m

Yield 12-16 Balls

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 1/2 cups molasses
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
4 quarts popped corn

Steps:

  • Combine molasses, sugar and butter or margarine in a 2 quart saucepan. Dissolve sugar by stirring. Cook over medium heat until mixture forms a hard but not brittle ball when dropped in cold water. Stir constantly. Dribble syrup over popped corn stirring to coat all. Make balls with buttered hands when cool. Wrap in waxed paper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.4, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 2.5, Sodium 23.7, Carbohydrate 52.4, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 35.9, Protein 1.1

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh popcorn. Stale popcorn will not hold its shape well and will be more likely to crumble.
  • Make sure the popcorn is completely coated in the syrup mixture. If the popcorn is not evenly coated, it will not stick together properly.
  • Work quickly when shaping the popcorn balls. The syrup mixture will start to harden as it cools, so you need to work quickly to get the popcorn balls formed before the syrup hardens.
  • Let the popcorn balls cool completely before eating them. This will help them to set and hold their shape.
  • Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Old-fashioned popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of popcorn balls that will be enjoyed by people of all ages. So next time you are looking for a fun and festive treat, give old-fashioned popcorn balls a try.

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